Some of this isn’t exactly news; it has long been known that there is a direct link between hormone replacement therapy and asthma. This is supported by the number, ages and sex of those most likely to develop. As children, boys before puberty have the highest rates. After puberty, girls and women of childbearing age are more likely to have it. After menopause, the risks decrease…unless HRT is used.
Front-page health news today introduces us to a French study that suggests that not all hormones, but especially estrogen, cause the increased risk. Nor is it a small risk. Women taking estrogen are fifty-four percent more likely to develop asthma than those who have never used HRT.
Aside from the risk factor, there’s a good reason these studies are done in postmenopausal women. Fluctuations of these hormones have stopped, so the basis for the study is neutral.
What does this have to do with black cohosh? That herb is one of the main supplements suggested to women to alleviate the problems brought on by menopause. No one likes hot flashes, mood swings and the other symptoms this process produces. Black cohosh contains a phytoestrogen, which can be just as dangerous as prescription drugs in causing asthma.
Black cohosh is not alone. Soy isoflavones do that too. That’s why there are warnings against giving them to developing boys and teens, and why pregnant women are told not to take them. Estrogen levels are too high.
If you still want to use these supplements, I have two recommendations. One is making sure your doctor knows so you can get checked. Asthma is a potentially life-threatening condition. The doctor can help you with the second advice; that you have what you need when an asthma attack starts. Asthma doesn’t always have warning signs.
Here are a few symptoms to look for; shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and blueness of the lips and fingernails. Get medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur. Your life may be in danger.
Estrogen, asthma and black cohosh
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